The Hilltoppers huddle up just before the start of the game Tuesday night at Sullivan Field. Both teams have been having a good season and the game proved that, as the contest was scoreless during regulation time. Finally, in overtime, the ‘Toppers were able to score the winning goal and the final score was 1-0. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
The goalie, Ashley Atencio, had 10 saves in the first half. Here, she makes a save in traffic as Leah Wolfsberg runs interference. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
By RJ MONTAÑO
Los Alamos Daily Post
rjmontano@ladailypost.com
It took 80 minutes and 44 seconds of taxing and well-played soccer for the Los Alamos Hilltoppers (9-3) girl’s soccer team to beat the Hope Christian School Huskies (3-7) on Tuesday evening in a 1-0 overtime win.
Junior Alix Hailey found the back of the net with a golden goal 44 seconds into overtime before her teammates rushed the field to celebrate the win.
The win avenges an earlier 3-2 loss to the Huskies in the Albuquerque Academy tournament semifinals two weeks ago.
“I thought we were very even with Hope, last time we played them we had a lot of opportunities but gave up two sets plays, a corner kick and a direct kick, and today we didn’t give up those types of plays,” said head coach Ann Cernicek after the match. “I thought we were really smart the way we played today, and that makes the difference.”
Both teams had plenty of chances to score in regulation, but stellar defense and flawless goalkeeper play stifled the opposing offense. Senior goalkeeper Ashley Atencio had 16 saves in the match earning the ‘Toppers fourth shut out of the season.
Los Alamos pelted the Huskies goalkeeper Cassi Wright to the tune of seven shots on the day.
“I knew something was going to give, you can’t have that many opportunities and not finish one of them off,” Cernicek added.
The ‘Toppers head down to Albuquerque this weekend to take part in the Sandia Prep Sundevils tournament this weekend. Los Alamos will face Centennial High School (10-1) of Las Cruces in the first round at 5 p.m. Friday. Sandia Prep takes on St. Michaels on the other side of the bracket.
This is the ‘Toppers third weekend on the road for an overnight trip this season. “We’ll try to adjust some things for next season because this has been really hard on the girls,” Cernieck said.
Katie Hopkins tries to connect on a corner kick in the second half in front of the Huskies’ goalie. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
The battle of the 19s at midfield was an ongoing struggle as Valerie Li gave the Huskie defender real trouble all evening. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Anna Matuszak battles for control in the second half. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Alix Hailey tries to head the ball from a corner kick in front of the Huskies goal in the second half. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Alix Hailey finds the mark for the winning goal in the first overtime for the win over the Hope Christian Huskies. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
